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NTUC Sets up Progressive Practices Unit

13 Jun 2018

By Shukry Rashid

NTUC’s Progressive Practices Unit (PPU) was set up recently and works alongside NTUC-affiliated unions to help companies implement progressive workplace practices.

According to PPU Director Toh Hwee Tin (pictured above), progressive practices by companies include building trust with their employees, and their corporate rules and policies support employees to thrive in their careers and personal pursuits.

Making Employers Progressive

Ms Toh said that it is beneficial for the company to be progressive as once employees identify themselves with the company’s values and purpose, they will be aligned with the corporate goals as well.

She said: “Our efforts include helping employers adopt the Tripartite Standards (TS), as well as build a pathway to Human Capital Partnership (HCP) Programme, which will distinguish them as progressive employers.”

PPU is aiming for better TS adoption rate which leads to more companies joining the HCP Programme.

Adopting the TS is one of the requirements for a company to be a Human Capital Partner.

The HCP Programme was launched in 2017 to recognise and support employers who invest in human capital and adopt progressive workplace practices. HCP is facilitated by the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) and supported by the Ministry of Manpower, the tripartite partners and various economic and sector agencies.

Employers will also receive support in their efforts to strengthen the balance between foreign and local manpower, and the transfer of skills from foreign to local employees.

PPU’s Goals

There are a total of eight TS in various areas, and the first TS launched was for the Term Contract Employees in July 2017.

Currently, one-fifth of unionised companies have adopted at least one of the eight TS, but this figure may not directly reflect the number of progressive companies.

Hence, it is PPU’s goals to work with unions to identify progressive companies and work on the pathway to HCP.

Besides working with unions, PPU also works with NTUC’s business units such as NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute), U SME and U Associate, and various trade associations and chambers. These units will be the drivers to push for more progressive workplaces with the support of the PPU.

Ms Toh said: “NTUC represents all working people. Our desire is that workers in the Labour Movement’s network of companies benefit from progressive workplace practices.”

All in a Day’s Work

For PPU’s day-to-day operations, the department works with various companies to help them analyse their situation and advises them on what they can do to be more progressive, adopt TS and be recognised as an HCP partner.

The department has come up with templates and surveys that will help companies, especially the small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), analyse and determine what they are lacking.

This has proved to be useful for SMEs as they comprise several types and sizes and come from different industries, which ultimately poses various challenges.

PPU’s assistance to companies also includes resources and grants from NTUC or other agencies.

Ms Toh said: “Industries are transforming. Transformation of jobs and skills have to be accompanied with progressive workplace practices. We now have a common set of measures to determine the progressiveness of each company. Progressive companies will be recognised by NTUC and the Ministry of Manpower.”

For assistance or enquiries, connect with PPU by emailing to uprogressive@ntuc.org.sg.